Hartley Boats Contender British Nationals at Paignton Sailing Club - Preview

Contender British Nationals © David Henshall

For those of you Contender sailors that have been hiding under a rock and not noticed that the British Contender Championship are almost upon us, this is your last call to enter what is sure to be a great event.

This year the Nationals will be earlier than usual and we are heading to the picturesque seaside town of Paignton with its long sandy beaches, its beautiful and easily accessible beachfront, promenade with solar powered lighting, traditional pier, colourful beach huts, open green and an 18th century harbour.

The racing will consist of up to 10 races over 4 days and take place in the sheltered waters of Tor Bay with launching from the beach adjacent to the green where the boats will be stored. For more information and to enter the event please go to www.paigntonsailingclub.co.uk/open-events-championships/contender-nationals

Taking a quick look at this year's form from the 4 events so far, the usual suspects are looking good for this year's championship with Graeme Willcox having won the two sea events of 2024 at Highcliffe and Hayling Island and Tom Hooton taking wins at the other two events including 5 bullets at YDSC. There is also Simon who will be unstoppable if the wind blows with the likes of Stu Jones, Gary Langdown and Ed Presley all possible front runners, not forgetting the angry brothers who have been showing some good speed of late.

For the silver fleet we have Chris Boshier fresh from his 2nd place at the French nationals who I am sure will be challenged by others keen to take the Silver.